The numbers
Enclosure
240 × 120 × 90 cm
Diet
Protein (insects, eggs, lean meats, whole prey) + greens + some fruit · ~60% protein / 30% veg / 10% fruit, 2×/week
Temperature
cool 24–29 °C (75–85 °F) / night ≥ 18–21 °C (below triggers brumation)
Humidity
70–80% + humid burrow
UVB
Strong T5 HO
Identity
Family / Order
Teiidae / Squamata
Adult size
90–140 cm (3–4.5 ft)
Lifespan (captivity)
15–20+ yrs
Activity
Diurnal; terrestrial burrower
Temperament
Highly intelligent — can become dog-tame
Price (THB)
~8,000–25,000
Enclosure and conditions
Basking
43–52 °C (110–125 °F) surface
Cool side
24–29 °C (75–85 °F)
Night
≥ 18–21 °C (below triggers brumation)
Humidity
70–80% + humid burrow
UVB (required)
Strong T5 HO
Min. size
240 × 120 × 90 cm (8×4×3 ft)
Substrate
Deep 30–60 cm soil (burrowing)
Water
Large tub to soak
Diet
Diet type
Omnivore — needs variety
Staple
Protein (insects, eggs, lean meats, whole prey) + greens + some fruit
Juveniles
~70% protein, high frequency
Adults
~60% protein / 30% veg / 10% fruit, 2×/week
Calcium
Dust + multivitamin
Behaviour and handling
Handling
One of the most tameable lizards — dog-like
Brumation
Slows/stops eating in winter — normal
Cohabitation
Solo
Defense
Strong bite/claws — respect
Children
Adult supervision (large)
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
~2–3 yrs
Clutch
20–35 eggs
Incubation
~50–60 days
Note
♀ builds a nest
Common health problems
Metabolic bone disease
Signsweak bones
Preventstrong UVB + calcium
Obesity
Signsoverfeeding fatty protein
Preventbalanced diet + activity
Impaction
Signsloose substrate / cool temps
Preventproper substrate + heat
Parasites
Signsweight loss
Preventquarantine + fecal test
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- Among the most intelligent reptiles — recognises owners and can be house-tame.
- Partially warm-blooded in breeding season — can raise its own body temperature!
- Brumates for months in winter — a natural slow-down.
Common questions
Really dog-tame?
Yes — one of the most trainable lizards.
Do they hibernate?
They brumate in winter — normal.
Beginner?
Intermediate — big space + heat, but very rewarding.
What it needs
- Room-sized enclosure + deep substrate
- Strong T5 UVB
- High-wattage basking + thermostat
- Large water tub
- Hide
- Calcium + multivitamin
- Varied diet + IR thermometer